College application videos are becoming increasingly popular among high school seniors looking to stand out from the crowd. The college application process has become so competitive that many students feel they need a personal touch, which is where this new trend comes in handy.
First of all, application video allows students to showcase their personality and interests in a way that is impossible with traditional written applications. It can also give colleges a better sense of applicants' communication and presentation skills.
A college application video helps you tell your story in a personal and engaging way. It is an opportunity to share your passions and interests with the admissions committee in a way that cannot be conveyed through transcripts or test scores alone.
This can be especially helpful if you are applying to competitive schools where the admissions process is highly selective.
In this article, I'm going to show you how to make a college application video that stands out and gets you accepted into your dream school.
What to include in your college application video
Your college application video should be between one and two minutes long. Use this time to introduce yourself and tell your story in an authentic and engaging way. Here are some things you should include:
-
A brief introduction
Who are you? Where are you from? What are your interests and passions? When introducing yourself, smile and look directly into the camera. This will help you come across as friendly and approachable.
-
Your reasons for applying to college
Why do you want to go to college? What are your educational goals? What are your career aspirations? Be specific and honest in your answer.
-
Your academic achievements
Include your GPA, test scores, and any awards or honors you have received. This is your opportunity to brag and show off what makes you special.
-
Your extracurricular activities and involvement
Do you participate in any clubs or organizations? What leadership roles have you held? What community service have you done? This is your chance to show that you are well-rounded and have various interests.
-
Your personal interests and hobbies
What do you enjoy doing for fun? What are your unique talents and skills? Whether it's singing in the shower or playing practical jokes on friends, this is your chance to let your personality shine through.
-
A closing statement
Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration. Express your excitement about the opportunity to attend their school.
Including all of these elements will give the admissions committee a well-rounded picture of who you are as a person.
What to avoid in your college application video
Now that you know what to include in your video, there are a few things you should avoid.
First and foremost, don't lie or exaggerate in your video. The admissions committee will be able to see right through it, and it will only hurt your chances of being accepted. Don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself and stay true to your own story.
Avoid using cliches or anything that is overly cheesy or sentimental. The admissions committee has probably heard it all before. Don't make your video too long. As I've mentioned, it should be no more than two or three minutes long.
Proofread your script and check your grammar before filming. And make sure to double-check your work before you submit your video.
How to film and edit your college application video
Now that you know what and what not to include in your video, it's time to start filming.
Your college application video doesn't have to be filmed in a studio. In fact, it's often more effective if it isn't. Choose a location that is personal to you and helps tell your story.
Suppose you're a musician; film yourself playing in your living room or at a local coffee shop. If you're an athlete, film yourself practicing or competing. If you're a dancer, film yourself rehearsing or performing.
The important thing is to be creative and have fun with it. Remember to be yourself. The more natural and authentic you appear, the better.
Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or inappropriate.
When filming, it's important to pay attention to your body language. Make sure to stand up straight and keep your head up. Smile often and make eye contact with the camera.
Once you've filmed your video, it's time to edit your footage. Again, you don't need to be a professional filmmaker to create a great video. Just use whatever editing software you're most comfortable with.
Though being creative is important, don't get too carried away with the editing process. Avoid adding flashy effects or graphics that could take away your story. The idea is to make a short but effective video.
Bottom Line
Producing a quality college application video doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By following the simple tips outlined in this post, you can create a video that will give the university committee a better understanding of who you are as a person.
However, it is important to keep in mind that a college application video is not a replacement for a well-written application; rather, it should be used as a supplemental tool to help you tell your unique story.